We have just finished three years of living full-time in Ethiopia. This is something I never in my wildest dreams thought I might be doing-yet here we are.
I never had even the slightest secret thought about being a missionary in Africa-ever!
And yet-when God called us- we KNEW this was what He wanted us to do. There was absolutely no doubt in our minds. And so---we said yes. We sold our cars- sold our furniture-we put our house on the market.....and we went.
Saying 'yes' to God was the best thing we've ever done. This really has been the greatest adventure of our lives! Of course it's not all fun and games-there are many frustrations, and cultural misunderstandings-and a few betrayals......and yet there has been even more joy and contentment that we have found serving amongst the people here.
We live an uncluttered life here in Ethiopia-there is nothing to distract us from dependence on God.
There is no Walmart or fast food drive thrus when we are hungry. There is no Home Depot when we need nails or lumber to build things. There is no cable TV or recliners to nightly while away the last remaining hours of the day. No hospitals- no 911 service......no Starbucks! (gasp)
We really have to rely on God to come through for us. And He has-many, many times.
I think it is more difficult to live a life that reflects the love and compassion of Jesus in the western world than it is in Third world countries. You have so many more distractions. Choices.
Over-commitments. Before you know it, you have rushed through the day without a thought as to how you can show love to the hurting of this world. In Third World countries as soon as you set foot outside your door you see the poor, the widows and orphans. It's almost a no-brainer with all the ways you can help them.
You don't have to move to a foreign land in order to demonstrate the compassion and love of Christ
You DO have to be more deliberate, however-and seek out those opportunities where you are.
Some of you reading this blog may be thinking that something is missing in your spiritual life.
You may be wondering if this is all there is-just warming a pew on sunday mornings, being on a few committees, going through the motions.....I assure you there is DEFINATELY more that God has in mind for you. Listen for His voice! Don't be afraid!
Answer His call- and say "Yes-I'm willing to do whatever it is You ask of me, Lord".
You will be so glad you did !
Suggested Reading List
(Books that have highly impacted our lives)
"The Hole in our Gospel" by Richard Stearns
"Follow Me" by Francis Chan
I never had even the slightest secret thought about being a missionary in Africa-ever!
And yet-when God called us- we KNEW this was what He wanted us to do. There was absolutely no doubt in our minds. And so---we said yes. We sold our cars- sold our furniture-we put our house on the market.....and we went.
Saying 'yes' to God was the best thing we've ever done. This really has been the greatest adventure of our lives! Of course it's not all fun and games-there are many frustrations, and cultural misunderstandings-and a few betrayals......and yet there has been even more joy and contentment that we have found serving amongst the people here.
We live an uncluttered life here in Ethiopia-there is nothing to distract us from dependence on God.
There is no Walmart or fast food drive thrus when we are hungry. There is no Home Depot when we need nails or lumber to build things. There is no cable TV or recliners to nightly while away the last remaining hours of the day. No hospitals- no 911 service......no Starbucks! (gasp)
We really have to rely on God to come through for us. And He has-many, many times.
I think it is more difficult to live a life that reflects the love and compassion of Jesus in the western world than it is in Third world countries. You have so many more distractions. Choices.
Over-commitments. Before you know it, you have rushed through the day without a thought as to how you can show love to the hurting of this world. In Third World countries as soon as you set foot outside your door you see the poor, the widows and orphans. It's almost a no-brainer with all the ways you can help them.
You don't have to move to a foreign land in order to demonstrate the compassion and love of Christ
You DO have to be more deliberate, however-and seek out those opportunities where you are.
Some of you reading this blog may be thinking that something is missing in your spiritual life.
You may be wondering if this is all there is-just warming a pew on sunday mornings, being on a few committees, going through the motions.....I assure you there is DEFINATELY more that God has in mind for you. Listen for His voice! Don't be afraid!
Answer His call- and say "Yes-I'm willing to do whatever it is You ask of me, Lord".
You will be so glad you did !
Suggested Reading List
(Books that have highly impacted our lives)
"The Hole in our Gospel" by Richard Stearns
"Follow Me" by Francis Chan
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